How to Unplug from Work: 3 Lessons from Paradise

How do you unplug from work in this day and age?

It’s a great question and one that gets more important in the information era!

Recently, I had the chance to unplug from work for an entire week so I could spend time with family in the Hawaiian Islands. During my vacation, I was able to detach from work concerns and fully immerse myself in the relaxing, yet eventful trip. Here’s are 3 strategies that helped me have both a personal rejuvenation and professional success.

How can I unplug from work?

• Set Clear Boundaries: This trip felt different from the moment I left the office. I knew prior to leaving for a week I established clear boundaries which helped relieve the stress of work-related anxieties. Typically, even on a vacation, I’m one to always check my emails, make sure there’s no fires to put out, and will sometimes even do a bit of outreach in the mornings as it’s a personal struggle to never feel “behind” at work. However, due to the support of my team at Route Networking Group, I had a piece of mind that the team was set for success prior to my departure. This approach not only allowed me to immerse in the captivating beauty of the Hawaiian Islands but also positively impacted my mental health – allowing me to reset and recharge.

 

• Cultivate a Supportive Team Culture: At Route Networking Group, we have such a supportive team culture which has been a pivotal point in my success. Our team is so good about encouraging collaboration, open communication, and cross-training, we’re able to empower each other to handle any unexpected situations that might arise during anyone’s absence. I think the nurturing environment that Jessica Cafferty has been able to cultivate throughout the years, gives us the confidence to go out and communicate with any potential candidates. The positive team culture becomes a vital component of successful recruiting and talent acquisition strategies, which in turn, has resulted in providing us with the energy needed to source top-tier talent.

 

• Embrace the Hawaiian Spirit: I’m not going to lie, it was nice to get out of Boise and experience Hawaii’s spirit and charm again. From being able to enjoy the sunrise at Haleakala National Park (we had to wake up at 1:00 am), to snorkeling in the beautiful waters off Lanai, this trip was a revitalizing experience. I remember feeling like I was about to hit the dreaded “burn-out” that we all experience but being able to live in the moment, experience new surroundings and be welcomed with the Aloha spirit helped combat that.

 

My getaway was a remarkable experience. Being able to truly unplug from work and indulge in the delicious food (I had tuna and salmon almost every day) and beautiful scenery my cup was filled. I feel like I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy this vacation as much as I did, unless we had such a supportive team culture that truly embodies the pursuit of work-life balance. Now that I’m back, I’m ready to rock and feel like I’m capable of tacking any open requisition that’s thrown my way – from executive to entry level positions.

Hawaii provided such a great backdrop for unplugging and realizing the value of finding that balance between work and personal life. Embrace the freedom to unplug and witness the positive effects it has on your well-being and professional successes.

– Mikey

P.S Check out this podcast that shares even more tips to disconnect from work!

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